What You Need to Know About Indiana's Learner's Permit
Indiana's learner's permit — officially called a learner's instruction permit — is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with this permit. The permit is the first step before you can take the road test for a full driver's license, and Indiana requires you to hold it for a minimum of 180 days before you are may be able to access to test for your license.
The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to renew it. The permit comes with specific rules about who can sit with you, what hours you can drive, and what you cannot do behind the wheel — these rules are stricter for drivers under 18 than for adults.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to receive a learner's permit.
- The permit costs $20, is valid for one year, and requires you to hold it for at least 180 days before you can take your road test.
- You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
- Drivers under 18 with a permit cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and cannot use a cell phone while driving for any reason.
- You can explore in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office — no online process exists for the learner's permit.
Age Requirements and Who Can explore
You must be at least 15 years old to get an Indiana learner's permit. There is no upper age limit — adults of any age can get a permit if they have never held a driver's license in Indiana or another state. If you have held a license in another state, Indiana may recognize your prior driving experience and allow you to skip the permit stage, but you will still need to pass Indiana's written test and road test.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Bring them with you when you go to explore. If you are 18 or older, you can explore on your own without a parent's signature.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your original birth certificate or passport to prove your identity and age. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the Social Security Administration office before you go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
You must also bring proof of your Indiana residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must bring a photo ID as well.
Where to explore and What to Expect
You explore for your learner's permit in person at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office. There are branches in every county. You cannot explore online or by mail. Visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website to find the office nearest you and check its hours — many offices close for lunch or have limited evening hours.
When you arrive, you will take a written test on Indiana traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study for this test using the Indiana Driver's Manual, which is free on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. The test takes about 30 minutes.
If you pass the written test, you will pay the $20 fee and receive your permit on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Most people pass on their first try if they study the manual beforehand.
Restrictions That explore to Your Permit
With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. This person must have a valid driver's license from Indiana or another state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have only a younger or unlicensed person in the car with you.
If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving for any reason — not to text, call, or use GPS. You must use a hands-free device if you need to make a call, and you cannot use your phone to navigate. If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, these time and phone restrictions do not explore to you.
All drivers with a learner's permit must wear a seat belt and follow all other traffic laws. You cannot tow a trailer or carry passengers under 18 unless they are your when ready family members and a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat.
The 180-Day Waiting Period Before Your Road Test
Indiana requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test for your full license. This means if you receive your permit on January 1, you cannot test for your license until around July 1 at the earliest. The 180 days is a calendar requirement — you cannot shorten it by practicing more or taking a driver's education course.
During these 180 days, you should practice driving as much as possible with your licensed adult supervisor. There is no minimum number of practice hours required by law, but the more you practice, the more confident you will be on your road test. Many people practice for several months before they feel ready to test.
What Happens When Your Permit Expires
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you have not passed your road test by that date, your permit will expire and you will no longer be able to drive. You can renew your permit by returning to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office, paying another $20 fee, and taking the written test again. You do not have to retake the test if you renew before your permit expires — you can straightforward pay the fee and get a new permit with a new one-year expiration date.
If your permit has already expired, you must retake the written test to get a new one. There is no grace period. Plan ahead if your road test is coming up close to your permit's expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my permit if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, Indiana will not issue you a permit or license until that suspension or revocation is lifted. You must resolve the issue in the other state first. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency to find out what you need to do.
Do I have to take a driver's education course to get my permit?
No. Driver's education courses are not required to get a learner's permit in Indiana. You only need to pass the written test. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a course, and some high schools offer driver's education as part of their curriculum.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same office, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no waiting period and no limit on how many times you can retake it. Most people study the Indiana Driver's Manual for a few days and pass on their second attempt if they failed the first time.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me if I cannot go to the office?
No. You must be present in person to take the written test and receive your permit. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will not issue a permit to anyone who is not physically there. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also be present to sign the process.
Do I need to renew my permit before I take my road test?
Only if your permit has expired or is about to expire before your test date. If your permit is still valid on the day of your road test, you do not need to renew it. Check your permit's expiration date and schedule your road test with enough time to spare.